1

A NEW MASTER FM ANTENNA DESIGN

William A. Kerkhoff
Dielectric Communications
Palmyra, MO 63461
ABSTRACT
With the increasing number of DTV stations going
on the air and limited tower space to accommodate
them, multichannel transmission systems for both TV
and FM Radio are both desirable and necessary. This
paper will describe a new top mounted FM antenna
design for multichannel use. Featuring full FM
bandwidth capability, it is based on a pole mount
configuration which reduces windloads and provides
excellent non-directional azimuth patterns. The pole
mount design allows installation on the top of towers,
as the top or bottom of an antenna stacked array or as
a single antenna on one arm of a starmount platform.
High power handling and low VSWR make it ideal
for a master FM antenna system.
BACKGROUND
The transition to digital television has increased
demand for a very limited commodity - tower space.
New tower construction is often difficult due to
limited acceptable locations, high construction costs,
permit issues and environmental concerns. In some
instances FM station operators who have historically
leased tower space find themselves forced out by TV
stations scrambling to outfit their towers with DTV
antennas that drive up tower loads. To alleviate this
overcrowding many TV stations have turned to a
combination of stacked and or multiplexed antennas.
FM stations in a common market may also find that
stacking or sharing antennas can mitigate some of the
problems they face such as, limited tower space, side
mount coverage limitations, permit issues and the
high costs associated with reconfiguration.
Existing antenna styles
Many FM stations use dipole antennas that are
sidemounted on support poles or on larger tower
structures. These simple, low windload designs are
popular in the US market but offer limited
bandwidth. Multiplex versions of these dipole
antennas are available but channel spacing must be
within a few MHz. The towers they are mounted on
also dramatically affect pattern performance on
sidemount dipole antennas
[1]
. Figure 1 shows how an
omnidirectional azimuthal pattern on a sidemount
dipole style antenna can be affected by the tower
structure to which it is mounted. The effects of the
mounting structure on azimuthal pattern can also vary
dramatically with frequency.
Broadband multiplex FM antennas often take the
form of panel arrays that have somewhat complex
feed systems that may include a semi-flexible
secondary feed harness. These panel arrays are often
sold as kits for existing towers in the field. The
elements, brackets, power dividers and semi-flexible
coaxial lines that feed each panel element can be
prone to operational problems caused by inadequate
or improper installation. The physical size of
broadband FM panels requires use of a substantial
support mast section. For example, the Dielectric
Cavity Backed Radiator (DCBR) broadband panel
antenna produces optimum omnidirectional
azimuthal patterns in a 3 around configuration when
the panels are mounted on a 66 face triangular mast
(Figure 2).
Cavity Backed Radiator antennas (and other panel
type antennas) mounted on larger face towers begin
to lose azimuthal pattern circularity and v-
polarization azimuth patterns begin to differ
dramatically from h-polarization azimuth patterns
(Figure 3).
INTRODUCTION
This paper describes a new crossed dipole master FM
antenna design that offers broadcasters a circularly
polarized, low windload, top mount, FM antenna
option that is suitable for broadband multiplexing and
stacking. The antenna, shown in elevation Figure 4,
and in plan Figure 5, is specially designed for high
power, multiplex operation with an emphasis on
reliability and serviceability.
2
Figure 2
Relative field plot H & V polarization, cavity backed
type antenna, 3 around, 66 face tower.
Figure 1
Relative field plot H & V polarization, dipole type
antenna, leg mount, 10 face tower.
Figure 3
Relative field plot H & V polarization, cavity
backed type antenna, 3 around, 10 face tower.
3
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
FM broadcasters that want optimum omnidirectional
pattern performance across a wide band of FM
channels now have an alternative to traditional panel
antennas. The crossed vee dipole antenna is a
stackable, top mount, pole type antenna that features
high power handling, reduced tower loading with
broadband pattern and impedance performance. The
antenna was designed for optimum pattern and
impedance performance with maximum
consideration given to installation simplicity,
reliability and serviceability.
Mechanical & structural considerations
The mechanical design can be categorized in five
component groups: mast & screens, elements &
hybrids, external mast rigid feed system, internal
mast rigid feed system, and below tower top main
divider. Table 1 gives typical mechanical data for
antennas with varying numbers of bays.
The pipe mast and screens are made from structural
steel and are hot-dip galvanized after fabrication. The
screens are suitable for climbing. Galvanized steel
pole steps are used for climbing in between screen
sections. The mast consists of a heavy wall large
diameter pipe that contains cut out sections that allow
convenient access to internal rigid feed harness
components. Pipe wall thickness and pipe OD may
vary depending on application. Stackable designs
may have heavier wall thickness or use larger OD
pipes.
The antenna radiating elements consist of crossed,
vee shaped, dipole pairs that are fed with simple
balun transformers
[2]
. The elements are made from
heavy gauge stainless steel and provide maximum
resistance to the effects of corrosion. A non-
pressurized ABS radome cover protects the feed
points. The cover can be easily removed for feed
point inspection. The dipole feed straps are
constructed of copper. Each element is pressurized to
the feed point and fed by a pressurized hybrid power
divider. The hybrid dividers are constructed using
heavy wall copper.
The element and hybrid are assembled as a modular
unit prior to attachment to the mast. The modular
elements and hybrids can be easily removed from the
mast by simply removing one set of 3-1/8 flange
bolts (at the hybrid input) and six -13 stainless steel
bolts that affix the element to the mast (Figure 6).
The external mast rigid feed system consists of a two-
way power divider, 3-1/8 input with 3-1/8 outputs,
that feeds vertically adjacent pairs of elements.
Figure 7 shows three of these two-way dividers in
between bays.
Figure 4
2 Bay FMVee
Figure 5
FMVee Plan View
MAST
SCREEN
ELEMENT
4
TABLE 1
FMVee Antenna Mechanical Specifications
Model Number
Length
(ft)
Shear
2
(lbs)
Moment
3
(ft-lbs)
CfAc
3
(ft
2
)
Ma
3
(ft)
Weight
(lbs)
TAV-O3-2FM/6U-1
24.00 2,750 31,625 96 11.5 4,500
TAV-O3-4FM/12U-1
41.33 5,500 111,100 189 20.2 10,000
TAV-O3-6FM/18U-1
58.66 8,250 237,600 282 28.8 16,500
TAV-O3-8FM/24U-1
76.00 11,000 412,500 375 37.5 22,000
NOTES:
1. FMVee antennas must be pressurized with dry air or nitrogen.
2. Loads provided assume EIA-222-C, 50/33.3 PSF. No ice.
3. Loads provided assume TIA/EIA-222-F, 80 mph basic wind speed, 1,200 ft tower, 42.6 psf. No ice.
4. Length includes standard 4 ft lightning rods.
5. Windloads will vary depending on conditions at installation location.
6. Data given is for a top mount non-stackable FMVee antenna.
Figure 6
Element & Hybrid
Figure 7
3 Way & 2 Way Dividers
3-1/8 RIGID
INPUT
2-WAY
DIVIDER
HYBRID
5
The coaxial harness located inside the mast consists
of a rigid feed line feeding pairs of bays; an eight-bay
antenna would have four rigid lines inside the mast.
3-1/8 or 4-1/16 50 ohm rigid EIA lines are used to
feed bays depending on the antenna input power
rating. Each rigid line feeds a three-way power
divider in between each bay. All internal coaxial
components can be easily removed from the mast
using strategically located access openings in the pipe
mast (Figure 8).
The main power divider(s) for this FM antenna are
located below tower top. An eight-bay antenna with a
single input would be fed by a four-way power
divider, the input size of the four way would vary
depending on power rating as would the output ports.
An eight-bay antenna can also be equipped with dual
inputs for increased power handling and redundancy.
The below tower top location of the main power
divider(s) provides for easy installation, inspection
and troubleshooting and also affords protection from
falling ice. Figure 9 shows an eight-bay feed harness.
The mast & screens are removed for clarity.
Reliability
Stainless steel elements, rigid feed harness, copper
element hybrids, and hot-dip galvanized steel mast
and reflector screens give the antenna maximum
reliability. The simplified rigid coaxial feed system
independently feeds each pair of bays. This rigid feed
system design provides maximum reliability. Should
antenna problems develop a simple rigid line by-pass
(below tower top) allows for continued emergency
operation on any pair of antenna bays. The dual feed
option further enhances this redundancy while
maximizing power handling. Unlike most broadband
panel antennas there are no semi-flexible feed lines
used in the new antenna.
Installation
Traditional panel antenna installation can be complex
due to the multiple feed harness components and
numerous semi-flexible feeders to each element. The
crossed dipole design has one 3-1/8 rigid 50 ohm,
EIA feedline to each element, making installation
much simpler. The antenna, depending on number of
bays and on installer limitations, can be installed in
one or two sections. The easily removable screens
and elements allow for differing rigging techniques
used by various installers. The flange mount design
affords convenient and flexible mounting to existing
towers.
ACCESS
OPENING
Figure 8
Rigid Harness
6
Main 4 Way
Divider
Figure 9
FMVee Rigid Harness (mast and screens not shown)
Tower Top
Input
FMVee Elements
7
Serviceability
Broadcast antennas are typically designed for 20 or
more years of operation in harsh environments and
serviceability is an important factor that should not
be neglected. The crossed dipole antenna is easy to
maintain and, should any problems arise, easy to
troubleshoot and repair. Modular elements, rigid feed
harness, removable internal feed harness and the
below tower top main power divider(s) all make the
antenna extremely serviceable.
Pattern performance
The antennas small cross section coupled with the
use of reflector screens to isolate and shape element
patterns allow for extremely stable and predictable
circularly polarized azimuthal pattern performance
over the entire FM band. Three elements per bay are
used to produce a highly circular azimuth pattern in
both horizontal and vertical polarization. Figures 10,
11 & 12 show measured azimuthal patterns (single
bay) that span the FM band.
Figure 10
Relative field plot H & V polarization
FMVee 1 bay antenna 88 MHz
Figure 11
Relative field plot H & V polarization
FMVee 1 bay antenna 98 MHz
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The element elevation spacing has been optimized to
reduce down tower radiation over the FM band. Axial
ratio is maintained at the lowest possible levels
through use of coincident crossed dipoles. The dipole
pairs that comprise each element are fed with an
integrated hybrid coupler. The hybrids maintain
quadrature phasing (this produces circular
polarization and good axial ratio) and equal power
split between element dipoles. The simplified rigid
feed system design also allows for directional
azimuthal patterns. Typical electrical specifications
are provided in Table 2.
Power handling
An eight-bay antenna can handle in excess of 300 kW
average power. Each pair of bays is fed with a rigid
4-1/16, 50 ohm feedline, each element is fed with a
three-inch, 50 ohm, feedline. Dipoles (two per
element) are fed with a rigid 1-5/8 EIA line. Table 2
gives typical power ratings for antennas with varying
numbers of bays.
Figure 12
Relative field plot H & V polarization
FMVee 1 bay antenna 108 MHz
TABLE 2
FMVee Antenna Electrical Specifications
Model Bays
Nominal
RMS
Gain
Ea. Pol.
[ratio]
Nominal
RMS Gain
Ea. Pol.
[dB]
Standard
Single
Input
Max.
Avg.
Power
[kW]
Max.
#
Class C
Stations
Radiation
Center
Above
Tower Top
[ft]
TAV-O3-2FM/6U-1 2 .90 -.46 6-50 158 1 11.5
TAV-O3-4FM/12U-1 4 1.9 2.79 6-50 EHT 198 3 20.2
TAV-O3-6FM/18U-1 6 2.9 4.62 6-50 EHT 205 6 28.8
TAV-O3-8FM/24U-1 8 4.0 6.02 9-50 300 8 37.5
NOTES:
1. RMS gain data is given relative to half-wave dipole. Values given are for each polarization and nominal for mid
band and include standard harness configurations. Gain will vary depending on feed system, frequency, null fill and
beam tilt.
2. Null fill 0% and beam tilt 0 degrees is assumed. Other values of tilt and fill are available upon request.
3. Power ratings are nominal @ 40
o
C. and assume pressurization with dry air or nitrogen to 5 psi minimum. Power
ratings may vary dependent on specific feed system design, and local conditions. 15 psi pressurization is
recommended for multiplex operation.
4. Higher power ratings and dual inputs are available on request.
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Impedance (VSWR)
The dipole elements are designed for maximum
bandwidth. The flat, wide, pair of crossed dipoles that
form the element are based on those used in the
highly successful DCBR (Dielectric cavity backed
radiator) design
[3]
. Each of these dipoles (half-
elements) are broad band in their own right with
dipole VSWRs that are less than 1.2:1 across the FM
band (Figures 13A & B). The broad band dipoles,
when combined using the element hybrids, produce
element VSWRs that are well under 1.1:1 across the
entire FM band (Figure 13C). The low (50 ohm)
element impedance and the quadrature feed provided
by the integral hybrid divider maximize bandwidth
and effectively reduce sensitivity to icing.
1
1.02
1.04
1.06
1.08
1.1
1.12
1.14
1.16
1.18
1.2
88 98 108
V
S
W
R
Freq (MHz)
Figure 13A
0 Deg. Dipole
1
1.02
1.04
1.06
1.08
1.1
1.12
1.14
1.16
1.18
1.2
88 98 108
V
S
W
R
Freq (MHz)
Figure 13B
-90 Deg. Dipole
10
SUMMARY
The pole mount, crossed dipole antenna gives
broadcasters a broadband, top mount, high power
antenna option that is designed for maximum
reliability and serviceability. The simplified rigid
feed harness offers many advantages over more
complex panel antennas. The low windload design is
specially suited for use on candelabras and in stacked
configurations.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author is especially grateful to colleagues who
offered guidance and assistance in this effort. Their
help with data collection and exhibit preparation was
invaluable. Many thanks to Eric Power, Jeff
Steinkamp, Rex Niekamp, Mike Harland and
numerous others at Dielectric Communications.
REFERENCES
[1] G. W. Collins, Fundamentals of Digital
Television, New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2001
pp.197-198.
[2] J.D. Kraus, Antennas 2
nd
ed., New York: McGraw
Hill, 1988, pp. 735-744.
[3] Johnson and Jasik, ed., Antenna Engineering
Handbook 2
nd
ed., New York: McGraw Hill, 1984,
pp.28-11.
1
1.02
1.04
1.06
1.08
1.1
1.12
1.14
1.16
1.18
1.2
88 98 108
V
S
W
R
Freq (MHz)
Figure 13C
FMV Element
(Combined
Dipoles)